Power cord assembly containing recycled and renewable polymeric compositions

ABSTRACT

A power cord assembly having a total recycled and renewable content of at least 25 wt. % is described. The power cord assembly can contain a plug at a first end of the power cord configured to be connected to a power source, a connector part at a second end of the power cord opposite to the plug and configured to be connected to an electrical or electronic device, one or more electrically conductive wires extending from the plug to the connector part, one or more insulators surrounding the one or more electrically conductive wires, and an outer jacket extending from the plug to the connector and surrounding the one or more insulators, where at least one of the plug, the connector part, the insulator, or the outer jacket contains a chemically recycled and/or renewably sourced thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to a power cord assembly that can beused for electronic devices (e.g., computers). In particular theinvention relates to a power cord assembly that can include high recycleand renewable content while having sufficient mechanical strength.

B. Description of Related Art

Power cords are capable of connecting a device requiring electricity(e.g., an electronic device) to a power source (e.g., a standard wallsocket). Due to their use in supplying electricity, power cords havedemanding safety performance requirements, especially when such cordsare used for computer devices (e.g., desktop or laptops). Theserequirements have typically been met by using polyvinylchloride (PVC) toform the outer shell or plastic surface area of the plug part, theconnector part, or the outer jacket part of the cable that connect theplug part to the connector part of a power cord assemble.

One of the issues of PVC, however, is that it has a relatively highcontent of a halogen, chlorine. PVC is generally thought of as not beinga sustainable or “green” material. Therefore, typical power cordassemblies are not thought of as being made of sustainable material.

Efforts have been made to use mechanically recycled PVC to produce powercord assemblies that are more sustainable. While the use of mechanicallyrecycled PVC can help with the sustainability of the power cordassembly, the assembly typically still includes PVC. Further, mechanicalrecycling of PVC can have negative effects on the strength of thematerial. Mechanical recycling typically includes collecting usedproducts or debris having the target polymer (e.g., PVC-based plastics),optionally washing the used products or debris, melting the usedproducts or debris into a raw material having the target polymer, andreusing the raw material to produce new articles of manufacture. Themechanical properties (e.g. tensile strength, tensile modulus, tensileelongation at break etc.) of recycled PVC can decrease due to the inputof energy during the melting process, which can lead to polymer chainscissions and lead to weaker polymers. For example, power cords havinghigh mechanically recycled PVC can have low ductility and can becomebrittle. This can present a significant limit on the amount of recycledmaterial that can be used in articles of manufacture such as power cordsof electronic and electrical device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A discovery has been made that provides a solution to at least some ofthe problems that may be associated with improving the sustainability ofpower cord assemblies, such as a computer power cord assembly. In oneaspect, the discovery can include providing a power cord assemblycontaining a chemically recycled and/or renewably sourced thermoplasticblock co-polymer elastomer. In particular, it was found that a powercord containing a thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer containing i)hard block segments containing a first renewably sourced polymer or afirst polymer containing a chemically recycled monomeric unit, and ii)soft block segments containing a second renewably sourced polymer or asecond polymer containing a chemically recycled monomeric unit, can havegood mechanical properties such as high tensile elongation at break. Insome aspects, the power cord assembly of the present invention is freeof halogens and/or PVC. Therefore, the power cord assemblies of thepresent invention can be a more sustainable option from traditionalpower cords in at least two respects, (1) the use of renewable feedstock and/or chemically recycled material to produce the plastics thatcan be used in the plug part, the connector part, and/or the outerjacket part of the power cord assembly, and/or (2) the reduced or noreliance on halogen-based materials such as PVC.

Certain aspects are directed to a thermoplastic block co-polymerelastomer. The thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer can have hardblock and soft block segments. In some aspects, the hard block segmentscan contain a first renewably sourced polymer and/or a first polymercontaining a chemically recycled monomeric units. The first polymer, atleast in part, can be obtained by chemical recycling, e.g. obtained bypolymerizing monomeric units obtained from depolymerizing plastic waste.In some aspects, the soft block segments can contain a second renewablysourced polymer and/or a second polymer containing a chemically recycledmonomeric units. The second polymer, at least in part, can be obtainedby chemical recycling, e.g. obtained by polymerizing monomeric unitsobtained from depolymerizing plastic waste. The monomeric units for thefirst polymer can be same or different from the monomeric units of thesecond polymer. The plastic waste from which the monomeric units for thefirst polymer is obtained can be same or different from the waste fromwhich the monomeric units for the second polymer is obtained. The glasstransition temperature (Tg) of the hard blocks can be higher than the Tgof the soft blocks. In some aspects, the Tg of the hard blocks can be atleast 20° C. higher, or 20° C. to 200° C. higher than the Tg of the softblocks. In some aspects, the hard blocks can include polyester. In someaspects, the soft blocks can include polyether. In certain aspects, thehard blocks can include polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). In certainaspects, the soft blocks can include polytetramethyleneoxide (PTMO). Incertain aspects, the thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer can be aPBT—PTMO block copolymer, wherein the hard block segments contain PBTand the soft block segments contain PTMO. The PBT can be a reactionproduct of polymerizing 1,4 butane diol (BDO) with terephthalic acid. Insome aspects, at least a portion of the 1, 4 BDO used for polymerizationwith the terephthalic acid, can be obtained from a first bio-renewablesource. The terephthalic acid used for polymerization can be at least inpart obtained by chemical recycling. In certain aspects, theterephthalic acid used for polymerization can be at least in partobtained by chemical recycling of polyalkylene terephthalate waste. Incertain aspects, the polyalkylene terephthalate can be polyethyleneterephthalate (PET). The PTMO can be obtained by polymerizing 1,4-BDO.In some aspects, at least a portion of the 1, 4 BDO used to form PTMOcan be obtained from a second bio-renewable source. In some aspects, thefirst and second bio-renewable source can independently be tall oil,caster beans, sugar, lignocellulose, waste carbon dioxide (CO₂), orglycerol. The waste CO₂ can be post industrial waste CO₂. In someaspects, 20 wt. % to 90 wt. % of the thermoplastic block co-polymerelastomer can be renewably sourced and/or chemically recycled, in otherwords, the total renewable content and chemically recycled content ofthe thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer can be 20 wt. % to 90 wt.%. In some aspects, the thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer cancontain less than 1 wt. %, or less than 0.5 wt. %, or less than 0.1 wt.%, or less than 0.05 wt. %, or less than 0.01 wt. %, or essentially freeof, or free of halogens. In some aspects, the thermoplastic blockco-polymer elastomer can be comprised in a resin composition.

Certain aspects are directed to a resin composition containing athermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer described herein. The resincomposition can contain 30 wt. % to 90 wt. %, or 30 wt. % to 80 wt. %,or 40 wt. % to 60 wt. % of the thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer.The resin composition can further contain a flame retardant, preferably5 wt. % to 15 wt. % of the flame retardant. In some aspects, the flameretardant can be obtained from a renewable source. In some aspects, theflame retardant can be a non-halogenated phosphorus containing flameretardant obtained from bio based chemicals. In some aspects, the resincomposition can contain a polyphenylene ether. In certain aspects, theresin composition can further contain an additive selected from thegroup pigments, plasticizers, antioxidants, UV-stabilizers, heatstabilizers, dye enhancing agents, lubricant, mold release agents,crystal nucleating agents, fluidability-improving agents, antistaticagents, anti-drip agents or any combination thereof. In some aspects,the resin composition can contain less than 1 wt. %, or less than 0.5wt. %, or less than 0.1 wt. %, or less than 0.05 wt. %, or less than0.01 wt. %, or essentially free of, or free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).In some aspects, the resin composition can contain less than 1 wt. %, orless than 0.5 wt. %, or less than 0.1 wt. %, or less than 0.05 wt. %, orless than 0.01 wt. %, or essentially free of, or free of halogens. Theresin composition can have any one of, any combination of, or all of thefollowing properties: a density of 1.0 g/cc to 1.2 g/cc at 23° C.measured in accordance with ISO 1183; a tensile modulus equal to orgreater than 30 MPa, preferably 36 MPa to 70 MPa at 23° C., as measuredin accordance with ISO 527 at 5 mm/min; a tensile strength at breakequal to or greater than 8 MPa, preferably 8.5 MPa to 11 MPa at 23° C.,as measured in accordance with ISO 527 at 5 mm/min; and a tensileelongation at break equal to or greater than 300%, at 23° C., asmeasured in accordance with ISO 527 at test speed of 5 mm/min. In someaspects, the resin composition can be comprised in a film, layer, or asheet. In some aspects, the resin composition can be an extrusionmolded, blow-molded, injection-molded, rotational molded, compressionmolded, 3-D printed, and/or thermoformed composition. In some aspects,the resin composition can be comprised in an article of manufacture. Insome aspects, the article can be a computer part or accessory. In someaspects, the article can be a power cord assembly of a computer, or apower cord assembly of an adaptor e.g. AC adaptor for a computer.

Certain aspects are directed to a power cord assembly. The power cordassembly, can be a power cord assembly of a computer or an adaptor for acomputer. In certain aspects, the power cord assembly can contain a plugat a first end of the power cord assembly configured to be connected toa power source, a connector part at a second end of the power cordassembly opposite to the plug and configured to be connected to anelectrical or electronic device, one or more electrically conductivewires extending from the plug to the connector part, one or moreinsulators surrounding the one or more electrically conductive wires,and an outer jacket extending from the plug to the connector part andsurrounding the one or more insulators. At least one of the plug, theconnector part, the insulator(s), or the outer jacket can independentlycontain a thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer of the presentinvention and/or a resin composition of the present invention containinga thermoplastic block co-polymer. In some aspects, the plug can containa thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer and/or resin compositiondescribed herein. In some aspects, the connector part can contain athermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer and/or resin compositiondescribed herein. In some aspects, the one or more insulators cancontain a thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer and/or resincomposition described herein. In some aspects, the outer jacket cancontain a thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer and/or resincomposition described herein. In some aspects, the plug, and theconnector part can independently contain a thermoplastic blockco-polymer elastomer and/or resin composition described herein. In someaspects, the plug, and the one or more insulators, can independentlycontain a thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer and/or resincomposition described herein. In some aspects, the plug, and the outerjacket can independently contain a thermoplastic block co-polymerelastomer and/or resin composition described herein. In some aspects,the connector part and the one or more insulators independently cancontain a thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer and/or resincomposition described herein. In some aspects, the connector part andthe outer jacket can independently contain a thermoplastic blockco-polymer elastomer and/or resin composition described herein. In someaspects, the one or more insulators and the outer jacket canindependently contain a thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer and/orresin composition described herein. In some aspects, the plug, theconnector part, and the one or more insulators can independently containa thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer and/or resin compositiondescribed herein. In some aspects, the plug, the connector part, and theouter jacket can independently contain a thermoplastic block co-polymerelastomer and/or resin composition described herein. In some aspects,the plug, the one or more insulators, and the outer jacket canindependently contain a thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer and/orresin composition described herein. In some aspects, the connector part,the one or more insulators, and the outer jacket can independentlycontain a thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer and/or resincomposition described herein. In some aspects, the plug, the connectorpart, the one or more insulators, and the outer jacket can independentlycontain a thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer and/or resincomposition described herein. The thermoplastic block co-polymerelastomers and/or the resin compositions in the different parts of thepower cord assembly (e.g. plug, the connector part, the insulator(s), orthe outer jacket), if present, can be same or different. In someaspects, the thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer can be PBT-PTMOblock copolymer, and the PBT-PTMO block copolymer, in the differentparts of the power cord assembly (e.g. plug, the connector part, theinsulator(s), or the outer jacket), if present, can be same ordifferent. For, example the PBT and/or PTMO block lengths in the blockcopolymer, the arrangement of the PBT-PTMO blocks in the blockcopolymer, one or more properties of the block copolymer, in thedifferent parts of the power cord assembly can be same or different.

In some aspects, the one or more electrically conductive wires cancontain copper (Cu). In some aspects, at least a portion of the Cu canbe recycled Cu. In some aspects, the Cu containing electricallyconductive wires can have a total recycled Cu content of 10 wt. % to 90wt. %, or 20 wt. % to 60 wt. %. The total recycled, such as chemicallyrecycled and renewable content of the power cord assembly can be 25 wt.% to 65 wt. %.

Certain aspects, are directed to the plug of the power cord assembly.The plug can contain a shell and at least one electrically conductiveprong configured to be extendable into an electrical outlet, wherein theelectrically conductive prong extends away from a surface of the shell.The shell of the plug can contain a thermoplastic block co-polymerelastomer and/or a resin composition described herein. In some aspects,the plug can be a 2 or 3 pin male plug. In some aspects, the plug cancontain 2 electrically conductive prongs. In some aspects, the plug cancontain 3 electrically conductive prongs. In some aspects, the plug cancontain more than 3 electrically conductive prongs. The electricallyconductive prong(s) of the plug can be electrically connected to theelectrically conductive wires of the power cord assembly. In someaspects, 10 wt. % to 70 wt. % of the plug can be renewably sourcedand/or chemically recycled, e.g. total renewable and chemically recycledcontent of the plug can be 10 wt. % to 70 wt. %.

Certain aspects are directed to the connector part of the power cordassembly. The connector part can contain a shell and at least oneelectrically conductive receiver or prong configured to electricallycontact a conductive prong or an receiver of an electrical or electronicdevice. The shell of the connector part can contain a thermoplasticblock co-polymer elastomer and/or a resin composition described herein.In some aspects, the electrical or electronic device can be a computer,or an adapter, such as an AC adaptor of a computer. The connecter partcan be a female connector or male connector. In some aspects, theconnecter part can be a female connector and can contain at least oneelectrically conductive receiver configured to electrically contact aconductive prong of an electrical or electronic device. In some aspects,the connecter part can be a male connector and can contain at least oneelectrically conductive prong extendable into and configured toelectrically contact a conductive receiver of an electrical orelectronic device. In some aspects, the connector part can be 2 or 3 pinand male or female connector. In some aspects, the connector part cancontain 2 electrically conductive receivers or prongs. In some aspects,the connector part can contain 3 electrically conductive receivers orprongs. In some aspects, the connector part can contain more than 3electrically conductive receivers or prongs. The electrically conductiveprong(s) or receiver(s) of the connector can be electrically connectedto the electrically conductive wires of the power cord assembly. In someaspects, 10 wt. % to 70 wt. % of the connector part can be renewablysourced and/or chemically recycled, e.g. total renewable and chemicallyrecycled content of the connector part can be 10 wt. % to 70 wt. %.

In some aspects, the power cord assembly, the plug, the connector part,the insulator(s), and/or the outer jacket independently can contain lessthan 1 wt. %, or less than 0.5 wt. %, or less than 0.1 wt. %, or lessthan 0.05 wt. %, or less than 0.01 wt. %, or essentially free of, orfree of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In some aspects, the power cordassembly, the plug, the connector part, the insulator(s), and/or theouter jacket independently can contain less than 1 wt. %, or less than0.5 wt. %, or less than 0.1 wt. %, or less than 0.05 wt. %, or less than0.01 wt. %, or essentially free of, or free of halogens.

Other embodiments of the invention are discussed throughout thisapplication. Any embodiment discussed with respect to one aspect of theinvention applies to other aspects of the invention as well and viceversa. Each embodiment described herein is understood to be embodimentsof the invention that are applicable to other aspects of the invention.It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed herein can beimplemented with respect to any method or composition of the invention,and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions the invention can be used toachieve methods of the invention.

The following includes definitions of various terms and phrases usedthroughout this specification.

As used herein recycle content of a material refers to wt. % of thematerial obtained from, made from and/or recovered from waste. Unlessmentioned otherwise the waste can be post-industrial and post-consumerwaste. Post-consumer waste of a material is a waste generated by acustomer of a substrate containing the material. Post-industrial wasteis waste generated during a production process of a product and has notused in the consumer market.

As used herein renewable content of a material refers to wt. % of thematerial obtained from or made from a bio-based renewable material.Unless mentioned otherwise, bio-based material can include materialsfrom any life form such as plants, animals, fungi, protists,prokaryotes, microbes, algae, bacteria, yeasts and/or moulds. Thebio-based material can be obtained from natural or geneticallyengineered species.

As used herein total recycled and renewable content of a material refersto wt. % of the material obtained from, made from and/or recovered fromwaste and wt. % of the material obtained from or made from a bio-basedrenewable material. For example for a 100 gm material is 10 gm isobtained recycled sourced and 10 gm is obtained from renewable source,the total recycled and renewable content of the material is 20 wt. %.

The terms “about” or “approximately” are defined as being close to asunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one non-limitingembodiment, the terms are defined to be within 10%, preferably within5%, more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%.

The terms “wt. %,” “vol. %,” or “mol. %” refers to a weight percentageof a component, a volume percentage of a component, or molar percentageof a component, respectively, based on the total weight, the totalvolume of material, or total moles, that includes the component. In anon-limiting example, 10 grams of component in 100 grams of the materialis 10 wt. % of component. The term “ppm” refer to parts per million byweight, based on the total weight, of material that includes thecomponent.

The term “substantially” and its variations are defined to includeranges within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, or within 0.5%.

The terms “inhibiting” or “reducing” or “preventing” or “avoiding” orany variation of these terms, when used in the claims and/or thespecification includes any measurable decrease or complete inhibition toachieve a desired result.

The term “effective,” as that term is used in the specification and/orclaims, means adequate to accomplish a desired, expected, or intendedresult.

The use of the words “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with any ofthe terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” or “having” in theclaims, or the specification, may mean “one,” but it is also consistentwith the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more thanone.”

The phrase “and/or” means and or or. To illustrate, A, B, and/or Cincludes: A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, acombination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A,B, and C. In other words, “and/or” operates as an inclusive or.

The words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise”and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and“has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and“include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as“contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not excludeadditional, unrecited elements or method steps.

The power cord assembly of the present invention can “comprise,”“consist(s) essentially of,” or “consist of” particular ingredients,components, compositions, etc. disclosed throughout the specification.In one aspect of the present invention, and with reference to thetransitional phrase “consist(s) essentially of” or “consistingessentially of,” a basic and novel characteristic of the presentinvention can include power cord assembly containing a thermoplasticblock co-polymer elastomer and having a high chemical recycle andrenewable content.

All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by referenceto disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection withwhich the publications are cited.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description and examples. Itshould be understood, however, that the detailed description andexamples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only and are not meant to be limiting.Additionally, it is contemplated that changes and modifications withinthe spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art from this detailed description. In furtherembodiments, features from specific embodiments may be combined withfeatures from other embodiments. For example, features from oneembodiment may be combined with features from any of the otherembodiments. In further embodiments, additional features may be added tothe specific embodiments described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilledin the art with the benefit of the following detailed description andupon reference to the accompanying drawings. While the invention issusceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specificembodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings. Thedrawings may not be to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of various polymer recycling methods.

FIG. 2 schematic of a power cord assembly according to an example of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG. 3A) top cross-sectional view and FIG. 3B) top viewof the power cord assembly of FIG. 2 , showing the conducting wires,insulator(s) within the outer jacket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A discovery has been made that provides a solution to at least some ofthe problems that may be associated with increasing the sustainabilityof traditional power cord assemblies, such as a computer power cordassembly. In particular, it was found that a power cord containing athermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer containing i) hard blocksegments containing a first renewably sourced polymer or a first polymercontaining a chemically recycled monomeric unit, and ii) soft blocksegments containing a second renewably sourced polymer or a secondpolymer containing a chemically recycled monomeric unit, can have goodmechanical properties such as high tensile elongation at break and havehigh recycled and renewable content.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a schematic of polymer plastics recycling methodsis provided. Polymers (e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) derived fromfossil oil can be used to form various articles of manufacture (e.g.,power cord assembly of computer or computer adapter), which after usecan become waste. Polymers are primarily recycled from the waste throughmechanical recycling. In mechanical recycling, the waste is recycledthrough physical processes where the polymer chains are not reduced intomonomer units forming the polymer. Rather, mechanical recyclingtypically includes collecting the waste having the target polymer (e.g.,PVC-based plastics), optionally washing the waste, melting the wasteinto a raw material having the target polymer, and reusing the rawmaterial to produce new articles of manufacture. However, the mechanicalproperties of the mechanically recycled polymer can decrease due to theheat used in melting. The heat can weaken the molecular chains of thepolymers. Polymers can also be recycled from waste by chemicalrecycling. In chemical recycling the polymers from the waste isdepolymerized into the monomer units and the monomer units arere-polymerized to form the chemically recycled polymer. Further,polymers formed from bio-based chemicals can be also used to form thearticles of manufacture increasing the renewable content of thearticles. In certain aspects of the present invention, recycled andrenewable content of a power cord assembly is increased whilemaintaining the desired mechanical properties of the power cord assemblyby using a chemically recycled and renewably sourced thermoplastic blockco-polymer elastomer instead of mechanically recycled PVC.

These and other non-limiting aspects of the present invention arediscussed in further detail in the following sections.

A. Thermoplastic Block Co-Polymer Elastomer

The thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer can contain hard block andsoft block segments. The hard block segments can be rigid (e.g. at roomtemperature) and can have a glass transition temperature (Tg) higherthan the room temperature (˜25° C.). The soft block segments can berubbery (e.g. at room temperature) and can have Tg lower than the roomtemperature (˜25° C.). The difference of Tg between the hard blocks andthe soft blocks can be at least 20° C., such as 20° C. to 200° C., asmeasured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The hard blocksand soft blocks, in the thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer, can bearranged in any suitable order or sequence, including but not limited todiblock copolymer (A-B), triblock copolymer (A-B-A or B-A-B) ormulti-block copolymer ((A-B)_(n)), A being the hard block and B beingthe soft block. In some aspects, the thermoplastic block co-polymerelastomer can be a multi-block copolymer ((A-B)_(n)). In certainaspects, the hard block can contain a polyester. In some particularaspects, the polyester can be PBT. In certain aspects, the soft blockcan contain a polyether. In some particular aspects, the polyether canbe poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO). In some aspects, the thermoplasticblock co-polymer elastomer can be a polyester-polyether block copolymer,containing polyester containing hard blocks and polyether containingsoft blocks. In certain aspects, the thermoplastic block co-polymerelastomer can be a PBT-PTMO block co-polymer, containing PBT containinghard blocks and PTMO containing soft blocks. In some aspects, thePBT-PTMO block co-polymer can have the chemical formula of formula (1)

where x, and y are integers and can be same or different, and n is aninteger.

The PBT-PTMO block co-polymer can be obtained by methods known in theart. In some particular aspects, the PBT can be obtained from 1,4-butanediol (BDO) and terephthalic acid. In some particular aspects, 1,4-BDO can be reacted with terephthalic acid and/or a terephthalic acidderivative to produce PBT. The terephthalic acid derivative, such asdimethyl terephthalate, can be obtained from terephthalic acid. Theterephthalic acid, e.g. used directly or indirectly (via terephthalicacid derivative) to form PBT, at least in part, can be obtained bychemical recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containing waste.The PET from waste can be depolymerized to form the terephthalic acid.PET can be depolymerized by methods known in the art. Non-limitingexamples of PET waste includes post-consumer plastic bottles waste,textile waste or like, containing PET. In certain aspects, the PET wastecan be PET containing Ocean-Bound-Plastic waste. Ocean-Bound-Plasticwaste refers to plastic waste that is in risk of ending up in theoceans. In some aspects, at least a portion of the 1, 4-BDO used toobtain PBT can be obtained from a first bio-based renewable source. Insome particular aspects, 30 wt. % to 50 wt. %, or at least any one of,equal to any one of, or between any two of 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 wt. %,of the 1, 4-BDO used to obtain PBT can be obtained from the firstbio-based renewable source. In some aspects, the first bio-basedrenewable source can be sugar, lignocellulose, and/or glycerol. The 1,4-BDO can be obtained from the first bio-based renewable source bymethods known in the art including but not limited to GENO BDO™ process.

The PTMO can be obtained from 1, 4-BDO. In some aspects, at least aportion of the 1, 4-BDO used to obtain PTMO can be obtained from asecond bio-based renewable source. In some particular aspects, 30 wt. %to 50 wt. %, or at least any one of, equal to any one of, or between anytwo of 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 wt. %, of the 1, 4-BDO used to obtain PTMOcan be obtained from the second bio-based renewable source. In someaspects, the second bio-based renewable source can be sugar,lignocellulose, and/or glycerol. The 1, 4-BDO can be obtained from thesecond bio-based renewable source by methods known in the art includingbut not limited to GENO BDO™ process.

In some aspects, the total renewable content and chemically recycledcontent of the thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer can be 20 wt. %to 90 wt. %, or at least any one of, equal to any one of, or between anytwo of 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 and 90 wt.%.

B. Compositions Containing the Thermoplastic Block Co-Polymer Elastomer

The thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer, such as the PBT-PTMO blockco-polymer, described herein can be comprised in a resin composition.Aspects of the disclosure also relate to resin composition including thethermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer described herein. In someaspects, the resin composition can further contain a flame retardant. Insome aspects, the flame retardant can be obtained, at least in part,from a renewable source. In some aspects, the renewable content of theflame retardant can be 30 wt. % to 50 wt. %, or at least any one of,equal to any one of, or between any two of 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 wt. %.In some aspects, the flame retardant can be a non-halogenated flameretardant. In some aspects, the flame retardant can be a non-halogenatedphosphorus containing flame retardant obtained from bio-based chemicals.In some aspects, the bio-based chemicals can be tannin, tannic acid,phytic acid, isosorbide, diphenolic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA),lignin, or β-cyclodextrin or any combination thereof. In some aspects,the flame retardant can contain Bisphenol-A-diphosphate obtained frombio-based chemicals. In some aspects, the resin composition can containa polyphenylene ether.

In certain aspects, the resin composition can further contain anadditive selected from the group pigments, plasticizers, antioxidants,UV-stabilizers, heat stabilizers, dye enhancing agents, lubricant, moldrelease agents, crystal nucleating agents, fluidability-improvingagents, antistatic agents, anti-drip agents or any combination thereof.

The resin composition can contain 30 wt. % to 90 wt. %, or 30 wt. % to80 wt. %, or 40 wt. % to 60 wt. %, or at least any one of, equal to anyone of, or between any two of 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75,80, 85 and 90 wt. % of the thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer,and/or 5 wt. % to 15 wt. %, or at least any one of, equal to any one of,or between any two of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 wt. % ofa flame retardant.

The resin composition can have any one of, any combination of, or all ofthe following properties: a density of 1.0 g/cc to 1.2 g/cc, or at leastany one of, equal to any one of, or between any two of 1, 1.05, 1.1,1.15 and 1.2 g/cc at 23° C. measured in accordance with ISO 1183; atensile modulus equal to or greater than 30 MPa, preferably 36 MPa to 70MPa, or at least any one of, equal to any one of, or between any two of30, 35, 36, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, and 70 Mpa at 23° C., as measured inaccordance with ISO 527 at 5 mm/min; a tensile strength at break equalto or greater than 8 MPa, preferably 8.5 MPa to 11 MPa, or at least anyone of, equal to any one of, or between any two of 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10,10.5, and 11 MPa at 23° C., as measured in accordance with ISO 527 at 5mm/min; and a tensile elongation at break equal to or greater than 300%,at 23° C., as measured in accordance with ISO 527 at test speed of 5mm/min.

C. Methods for Making Compositions Containing the Thermoplastic BlockCo-Polymer Elastomer

The resin compositions containing the thermoplastic block co-polymerelastomer can be made by various methods known in the art such asextrusion, injection molding, compression molding, blow molding,rotational molding, thermoforming, 3-D printing or any combinationthereof. For example the components, such as the thermoplastic blockco-polymer elastomer, flame retardant, optional polyphenylene etherand/or the optional additives can be mixed together and thenmelt-blended to form the resin composition.

In some aspects, the one or any foregoing components described hereinmay be first dry blended with each other, or dry blended with anycombination of foregoing components, then fed into an extruder from oneor multi-feeders, or separately fed into an extruder from one ormulti-feeders. The extruders used in the invention may have a singlescrew, multiple screws, intermeshing co-rotating or counter rotatingscrews, non-intermeshing co-rotating or counter rotating screws,reciprocating screws, screws with pins, screws with screens, barrelswith pins, rolls, rams, helical rotors, co-kneaders, disc-packprocessors, various other types of extrusion equipment, or combinationscomprising at least one of the foregoing. The extruder can generally beoperated at a temperature higher than that necessary to cause thecomposition to melt and flow. In some aspects, the temperature of themelt in the extruder barrel can be maintained as low as possible inorder to avoid excessive thermal degradation of the components. Themelted composition exits extruder through small exit holes in a die. Theextrudate can be quenched in a water bath and pelletized. The pellets soprepared can be of any desired length (e.g., one-fourth inch long orless). Such pellets can be used for subsequent molding, shaping, orforming.

Mixtures including any combination of the foregoing mentioned componentsmay be subjected to multiple blending and forming steps if desirable.For example, the composition may first be extruded and formed intopellets. The pellets may then be fed into a molding machine where it maybe formed into any desirable shape or product. In some aspects, thecomposition emanating from a single melt blender may be formed intosheets or strands and subjected to post-extrusion processes such asannealing, uniaxial or biaxial orientation.

D. Articles of Manufacture

The thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomers and/or resin compositionsdescribed herein can be comprised in an article of manufacture. Aspectsof the disclosure also relate to articles including the thermoplasticblock co-polymer elastomer and/or resin composition described herein. Insome aspects the article can be a film, a sheet, a molded article, awelded article, a filament, or a powder. In one example, thethermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer and/or resin composition can beincorporated into a film. The film may include at least one film layerthat includes the thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer and/or resincomposition. In further aspects the film includes at least a second filmlayer. Other film layers may include other materials.

In some aspects, the article can be a computer part or accessory. Thecomputer can be desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer,cell phone, computer tablet, calculator or the like. In some particularaspects, the article can be a power cord assembly of a desktop computeror a power cord assembly of an adapter, such as AC adapter of thedesktop computer. In some particular aspects, the article can be a powercord assembly of a laptop computer or a power cord assembly of anadapter, such as AC adapter of the laptop computer.

Referring to FIG. 2 , a schematic of a power cord assembly 100 accordingto one example of the present invention is shown. The power cordassembly 100 can be a power cord assembly of a computer or a computeradapter. The power cord assembly 100 can contain i) a plug 101 at afirst end of the power cord, ii) a connector part 105 at a second end ofthe power cord opposite to the plug 101, iii) one or more electricallyconductive wires 108 a-e (see FIGS. 3A and B) extending from the plug101 to the connector part 105, iv) one or more insulators 109 a-e (seeFIGS. 3A and B) surrounding the one or more electrically conductivewires, and v) an outer jacket 104 extending from the plug to theconnector part and surrounding the one or more insulators.

The plug 101 can be configured to be connected, e.g. electricallyconnected, to a power source. The power source can be any suitable powersource, including but not limited to wall power outlets. The plug 101contain a shell 102, and one or more electrically conductive prong(s)103. Although 3 electrically conductive prongs are shown in FIG. 2 ,plugs having less than 3 (such as 2) or more than 3 electricallyconductive prongs can readily be made and are contemplated in thecontext of the present invention. The electrically conductive prongs 103can be configured to be extendable into an electrical outlet, e.g. wallpower outlet, wherein the electrically conductive prongs extends awayfrom a surface 111 of the shell. The shell 102 can contain athermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer, such as a PBT-PTMO blockco-polymer and/or a thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer containingresin composition, described herein. In some aspects, 95 wt. % to 100wt. %, or about 100 wt. % of the shell 102 can be comprised of thethermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer and/or the resin composition.In some aspects, 10 wt. % to 70 wt. %, or 25 wt. % to 65 wt. %, or atleast any one of, equal to any one of, or between any two of 10, 15, 20,25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70 wt. % of the plug can berenewably sourced and/or chemically recycled.

The connector part 105 can be configured to be connected to anelectrical or electronic device, such as a computer or an adapter, suchas an AC adapter of a computer. The connector part 105 can contain ashell 106 and at least one electrically conductive receiver or prongconfigured to electrically contact a conductive prong or an receiver ofan electrical or electronic device. Referring to FIG. 2 a connector with3 electrically conductive receiver 107 is shown. Although 3 electricallyconductive receivers are shown, connector part having less than 3 (suchas 2) or more than 3 electrically conductive receivers can readily bemade and are contemplated in the context of the present invention.Although connector part containing electrically conductive receivers areshown, connector part having electrically conductive prong(s) canreadily be made and are contemplated in the context of the presentinvention. The electrically conductive receivers 107 can be configuredto receive an electrically conductive prong, wherein the electricallyconductive receiver 107 extends into a surface 112 of the shell 106 ofthe connector part 105. The shell 106 can contain a thermoplastic blockco-polymer elastomer, such as a PBT-PTMO block co-polymer and/or athermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer containing resin composition,described herein. In some aspects, 95 wt. % to 100 wt. %, or about 100wt. % of the shell 106 can be comprised of the thermoplastic blockco-polymer elastomer and/or the resin composition. In some aspects, 10wt. % to 70 wt. %, or 25 wt. % to 65 wt. %, or at least any one of,equal to any one of, or between any two of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40,45, 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70 wt. % of the connector part 105 can berenewably sourced and/or chemically recycled.

The one or more electrically conductive wires 108 a-e can extend fromthe plug 101 to the connector part 105, and can be surrounded by the oneor more insulators 109 a-e. The one or more insulators 109 a-e can besurrounded by the outer jacket 104. The conductive wires 108 a-e canelectrically connect the electrically conductive prongs 103 of the plug101 with the electrically conductive receivers 107 of the connector part105. FIGS. 3A and 3B show the conductive wires 108 a-e and the one ormore insulators 109 a-e within the outer jacket 104. Referring to FIGS.3A and 3B cross-sectional view and top perspective view of the outerjacket 104 of the power cord assembly is shown, showing the conductivewires 108 a-e and the one or more insulators 109 a-e within the outerjacket 104. Each of the conductive wire 108 a-e can contain a pluralityof, such as a bundle of metallic wires 110 a-e. In some aspects, themetallic wires can contain metallic copper (Cu). In some aspects, atleast a portion of the Cu can be recycled Cu. In some aspects, 10 wt. %to 90 wt. %, or 20 wt. % to 60 wt. %, or at least any one of, equal toany one of, or between any two of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50,55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 and 90 wt. % of the Cu in the conductivewires can be recycled Cu.

In some aspects, each of the electrically conductive wires 108 a-e, orat least a portion of the electrically conductive wires can besurrounded and insulated by an insulator. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B,insulators 109 a-e, surrounding the electrically conductive wires 108a-e is shown. The insulators 109 a-e independently can contain athermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer, such as a PBT-PTMO blockco-polymer and/or a thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer containingresin composition, described herein. In some aspects, independently 95wt. % to 100 wt. %, or about 100 wt. % of the insulator(s) 109 a-e canbe comprised of the thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer and/or theresin composition. In some aspects, independently 25 wt. % to 75 wt. %,or at least any one of, equal to any one of, or between any two of 25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, and 75 wt. % of the insulator(s) 109a-e can be renewably sourced and/or chemically recycled.

The outer jacket 104 can surround the electrically conductive wires 108a-e and the insulators 109 a-e. Referring to FIG. 2 , outer jacket 104,surrounding the electrically conductive wires 108 a-e and insulators 109a-e is shown, The outer jacket 104 can contain a thermoplastic blockco-polymer elastomer, such as a PBT-PTMO block co-polymer and/or athermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer containing resin composition,described herein. In some aspects, 95 wt. % to 100 wt. %, or about 100wt. % of the outer jacket 104 can be comprised of the thermoplasticblock co-polymer elastomer and/or the resin composition. In someaspects, 30 wt. % to 70 wt. % of the outer jacket 104 can be renewablysourced and/or chemically recycled.

In some aspects, the total renewable content and chemically recycledcontent of the power cord assembly can be 25 wt. % to 65 wt. % or atleast any one of, equal to any one of, or between any two of 25, 30, 35,40, 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65 wt. %.

In the context of the present invention, at least the following 20aspects are described. Aspect 1 is directed to a power cord assemblycomprising: a plug at a first end of the power cord configured to beconnected to a power source; a connector part at a second end of thepower cord opposite to the plug and configured to be connected to anelectronic device; one or more electrically conductive wires extendingfrom the plug to the connector part; one or more insulators surroundingthe one or more electrically conductive wires; and an outer jacketextending from the plug to the connector part and surrounding the one ormore insulators, wherein at least one of the plug, the connector part,the insulator, or the outer jacket comprises a thermoplastic blockco-polymer elastomer having hard block and soft block segments, whereinthe hard block segments comprise a first renewably sourced polymer or afirst polymer comprising a chemically recycled monomeric unit, whereinthe soft block segments comprise a second renewably sourced polymer or asecond polymer comprising a chemically recycled monomeric unit, andwherein the total renewable content and chemically recycled content ofthe power cord assembly is 25 wt. % to 65 wt. %. Aspect 2 is directed tothe power cord assembly of aspect 1, wherein the total renewable contentand chemically recycled content of the thermoplastic block co-polymerelastomer is 20 wt. % to 90 wt. %. Aspect 3 is directed to the powercord assembly of any one of aspects 1 to 2, wherein the power cordassembly is free of or essentially free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).Aspect 4 is directed to the power cord assembly of any one of aspects 1to 3, wherein the power cord assembly is free of or essentially free ofhalogens. Aspect 5 is directed to the power cord assembly of any one ofaspects 1 to 4, wherein: the thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer isa polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)—polytetramethyleneoxide (PTMO) blockcopolymer, the hard block segments comprise PBT and the soft blocksegments comprise PTMO, the PBT is a reaction product of polymerizing1,4 butane diol (BDO) with terephthalic acid, wherein the BDO isobtained, at least in part, from a first bio-renewable source and/orwherein the terephthalic acid is chemically recycled terephthalic acid,and optionally the PTMO is a reaction product of polymerizing 1,4-BDO,obtained, at least in part, from a second bio-renewable source. Aspect 6is directed to the power cord assembly of aspect 5, wherein the firstand second bio-renewable source is independently tall oil, caster beans,sugar, lignocellulose, waste carbon dioxide (CO₂), or glycerol. Aspect 7is directed to the power cord assembly of any one of aspects 1 to 6,wherein the thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer is comprised in acomposition. Aspect 8 is directed to the power cord assembly of aspect7, wherein the composition further comprises a flame retardant. Aspect 9is directed to the power cord assembly of aspect 8, wherein the flameretardant is obtained from a renewable source. Aspect 10 is directed tothe power cord assembly of aspect 9, wherein the flame retardant is anon-halogenated phosphorus containing flame retardant obtained from biobased chemicals. Aspect 11 is directed to the power cord assembly of anyone of aspects 7 to 10, wherein the composition further comprises anadditive selected from the group pigments, plasticizers, antioxidants,UV-stabilizers, heat stabilizers, dye enhancing agents, lubricant, moldrelease agents, crystal nucleating agents, fluidability-improvingagents, antistatic agents, anti-drip agents or any combination thereof.Aspect 12 is directed to the power cord assembly of any one of aspects 7to 11, wherein the composition has any one of, any combination of, orall of the following properties: a density of 1.0 g/cc to 1.2 g/cc at23° C. measured in accordance with ISO 1183; a tensile modulus equal toor greater than 30 MPa, preferably 36 MPa to 70 MPa at 23° C., asmeasured in accordance with ISO 527 at 5 mm/min; a tensile strength atbreak equal to or greater than 8 MPa, preferably 8.5 MPa to 11 MPa at23° C., as measured in accordance with ISO 527 at 5 mm/min; and atensile elongation at break equal to or greater than 300%, at 23° C., asmeasured in accordance with ISO 527 at test speed of 5 mm/min Aspect 13is directed to the power cord assembly of any one of aspects 1 to 12,wherein the one or more electrically conductive wires comprises recycledcopper (Cu). Aspect 14 is directed to the power cord assembly of aspect13, wherein the one or more Cu wires has a total recycled Cu content of20 wt. % to 60 wt. %. Aspect 15 is directed to the power cord assemblyof any one of aspects 1 to 14, wherein the plug comprises thethermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer. Aspect 16 is directed to thepower cord assembly of any one of aspects 1 to 15, wherein the connectorpart comprises the thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer. Aspect 17is directed to the power cord assembly of any one of aspects 1 to 16,wherein the plug, the connector part, the insulator, and the outerjacket each comprise the thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer.Aspect 18 is directed to a plug for a power cord assembly, the plugcomprising: a shell; and at least one electrically conductive prongconfigured to be extendable into an electrical outlet, wherein theelectrically conductive prong extends away from a surface of the shell,wherein the shell comprises a thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomerhaving hard block and soft block segments, wherein the hard blocksegments comprise a first renewably sourced polymer or a first polymercomprising a chemically recycled monomeric unit, wherein the soft blocksegments comprise a second renewably sourced polymer or a second polymercomprising a chemically recycled monomeric unit, and wherein totalrenewable and chemically recycled content of the plug can be 10 wt. % to70 wt. %. Aspect 19 is directed to a connector for a power cordassembly, the connector comprising: a shell; and at least oneelectrically conductive receiver configured to receive an electricallyconductive prong, wherein the electrically conductive receiver extendsinto a surface of the shell, wherein the shell comprises a thermoplasticblock co-polymer elastomer having hard block and soft block segments,wherein the hard block segments comprise a first renewably sourcedpolymer or a first polymer comprising a chemically recycled monomericunit, wherein the soft block segments comprise a second renewablysourced polymer or a second polymer comprising a chemically recycledmonomeric unit, and wherein total renewable and chemically recycledcontent of the connector can be 10 wt. % to 70 wt. %. Aspect 20 isdirected to the plug or connector of any one of aspects 18 or 19,wherein the plug or connector is free of or essentially free ofpolyvinyl chloride (PVC).

EXAMPLES

The present invention will be described in greater detail by way ofspecific examples. The following examples are offered for illustrativepurposes only, and are not intended to limit the invention in any mannerThose of skill in the art will readily recognize a variety ofnoncritical parameters which can be changed or modified to yieldessentially the same results.

Example 1 Resin Composition

A PBT-PTMO block co-polymer was obtained from renewably sourced 1,4-BDOand chemically recycled terephthalic acid. A power cord assemblycontaining a plug, a connector part, five electrically conductive wiresextending from the plug to the connector part, insulators surroundingeach of the wires and an outer jacket surrounding the insulators, wasmade. The plug contained a shell and three electrically conductiveprongs. The connector contained a shell and three electricallyconductive receivers.

100 wt. % of the plug shell was comprised of the PBT-PTMO blockco-polymer. 100 wt. % of the connector part shell was comprised of thePBT-PTMO block co-polymer. 100 wt. % of the insulators was comprised ofthe PBT-PTMO block co-polymer. 100 wt. % of the outer jacket wascomprised of the PBT-PTMO block co-polymer. The electrically conductivewires were made of recycled Cu. 60 wt. % of the power cord assembly isrenewably sourced and chemically recycled.

Although embodiments of the present application and their advantageshave been described in detail, it should be understood that variouschanges, substitutions and alterations can be made herein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by theappended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is notintended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process,machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and stepsdescribed in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art willreadily appreciate from the above disclosure, processes, machines,manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presentlyexisting or later to be developed that perform substantially the samefunction or achieve substantially the same result as the correspondingembodiments described herein can be utilized. Accordingly, the appendedclaims are intended to include within their scope such processes,machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A power cord assembly comprising: a plug ata first end of the power cord configured to be connected to a powersource; a connector part at a second end of the power cord opposite tothe plug and configured to be connected to an electronic device; one ormore electrically conductive wires extending from the plug to theconnector part; one or more insulators surrounding the one or moreelectrically conductive wires; and an outer jacket extending from theplug to the connector part and surrounding the one or more insulators,wherein at least one of the plug, the connector part, the one or moreinsulators, or the outer jacket comprises a polybutylene terephthalate(PBT)—polytetramethyleneoxide (PTMO) block copolymer having hard blockand soft block segments, wherein the hard block segments comprise PBTand the soft block segments comprise PTMO, wherein the hard blocksegments comprise a first renewably sourced polymer obtained, at leastin part, from a first bio-renewable source or a first polymer comprisinga chemically recycled monomeric unit obtained, at least in part, fromthe first bio-renewable source, wherein the soft block segments comprisea second, different renewably sourced polymer obtained, at least inpart, from a second, different bio-renewable source or a second polymercomprising a chemically recycled monomeric unit obtained, at least inpart, from the second, different bio-renewable source, and wherein thetotal renewable content and chemically recycled content of the powercord assembly is 25 wt. % to 65 wt. %.
 2. The power cord assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the total renewable content and chemically recycledcontent of the thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer is 20 wt. % to90 wt. %.
 3. The power cord assembly of claim 1, wherein the power cordassembly is free of or essentially free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). 4.The power cord assembly of claim 1, wherein the power cord assembly isfree of or essentially free of halogens.
 5. The power cord assembly ofclaim 1, wherein: the PBT is a reaction product of polymerizing 1,4butane diol (BDO) with terephthalic acid, wherein the BDO is obtained,at least in part, from the first bio-renewable source and/or wherein theterephthalic acid is chemically recycled terephthalic acid, andoptionally the PTMO is a reaction product of polymerizing 1,4-BDO,obtained, at least in part, from the second bio-renewable source.
 6. Thepower cord assembly of claim 5, wherein the first and secondbio-renewable source is independently tall oil, caster beans, sugar,lignocellulose, waste carbon dioxide (CO₂), or glycerol.
 7. The powercord assembly of claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic block co-polymerelastomer is comprised in a composition.
 8. The power cord assembly ofclaim 7, wherein the composition further comprises a flame retardant. 9.The power cord assembly of claim 8, wherein the flame retardant isobtained from a renewable source.
 10. The power cord assembly of claim9, wherein the flame retardant is a non- halogenated phosphoruscontaining flame retardant obtained from bio based chemicals.
 11. Thepower cord assembly of claim 7, wherein the composition furthercomprises an additive selected from the group pigments, plasticizers,antioxidants, UV-stabilizers, heat stabilizers, dye enhancing agents,lubricant, mold release agents, crystal nucleating agents,fluidability-improving agents, antistatic agents, anti-drip agents orany combination thereof.
 12. The power cord assembly of claim 7, whereinthe composition has any one of, any combination of, or all of thefollowing properties: a density of 1.0 g/cc to 1.2 g/cc at 23° C.measured in accordance with ISO 1183; a tensile modulus equal to orgreater than 30 MPa, preferably 36 MPa to 70 MPa at 23° C., as measuredin accordance with ISO 527 at 5 mm/min; a tensile strength at breakequal to or greater than 8 MPa, preferably 8.5 MPa to 11 MPa at 23° C.,as measured in accordance with ISO 527 at 5 mm/min; and a tensileelongation at break equal to or greater than 300%, at 23° C., asmeasured in accordance with ISO 527 at test speed of 5 mm/min.
 13. Thepower cord assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more electricallyconductive wires comprises recycled copper (Cu).
 14. The power cordassembly of claim 13, wherein the one or more Cu wires has a totalrecycled Cu content of 20 wt. % to 60 wt. %.
 15. The power cord assemblyof claim 1, wherein the plug comprises the thermoplastic blockco-polymer elastomer.
 16. The power cord assembly of claim 1, whereinthe connector part comprises the thermoplastic block co-polymerelastomer.
 17. The power cord assembly of claim 1, wherein the plug, theconnector part, the one or more insulators, and the outer jacket eachcomprise the thermoplastic block co-polymer elastomer.